SUSPECT* METEORITE AUCTIONS

* Anyone can make a claim that they have found or own an authentic meteorite. It is entirely another matter to offer satisfactory proof of verification or classification from a Meteoritical Society approved institution. In the opinion of this author, the photos/links of auction items below lack either proper verification, credible history or photo, or reasonable supposition to qualify as meteorites. This does not mean that they are not meteorites, only 'suspect' in the opinion of this author.

(Perhaps seller will also offer broken glass as "suspect diamonds"?)What is it? Note the surface flow features on slag(2)

NOTE: Vugs (also spelled vugh) are small to medium-sized cavities inside rock or metal that may be formed through a variety of processes. Gas cavities may form inside molten metal slag. Meteorites do NOT have Vugs.

Sorry Cletus, NOT A METEORITE!

Why do you think this is a meteorite?
Do you offer any proof?
Have you had the item verified by a meteorite expert?
Why do you think it is a carbonaceous chondrite and not an ordinary rock?
thanks

Information requested;
Collecting meteorites as well as conducting countless hours of research to better understand their origin and composition is not a hobby to me but rather a life long and genuine enjoyment my listing on ebay is not meant to mislead anyone. My intentions our only to share some of my personal discoverys with other collectors who like myself enjoy what they do.Cooresponding and collaborating with other collectors who make new discoverys in the lab or out in the field is something i encourage. Please feel free to contact me with any questions/discoverys that you might have to share.
Thank you,.

I am so glad you have a deep interest in meteoritic science and collaboration, etc.
However you did not answer even one of my questions.
Why not?
Sellers have to determine meteoritic properties of their items.
But buyer must know how the seller arrived at his conclusions when no proof is offered. Also buyers have to determine whether the one selling a 'suspect meteorite' is honest (but possibly misinformed) or if the seller is deliberately fraudulent.

The later appears to be the case when direct questions are unanswered.
What kind of seller are you?
Again I ask:
Why do you think this is a meteorite?
Do you offer any proof?
Have you had the item verified by ANY meteorite expert?
Why do you think it is a carbonaceous chondrite and not an ordinary rock?
If you don't have proof or evidence of your convictions, say so.

If you are sincere:
Some people put suspect items on eBay so they can get feedback from more experienced collectors. However, I can think of no quicker way to alienate oneself from the meteorite community than to sell an unverified, suspect item as 'genuine' on eBay. Experts you could have learned from will label you as a 'fraud'. Reputable organizations like I.M.C.A. will NOT accept your application for membership. Even eBay does not allow sellers to sell unverified items as genuine ( see eBay's Authenticity Disclaimers Policy). Think about the possible reasons as to why this is so.

Thanks

The description is correct!. Here's what i'll do for you today if you want and your o.k with looking at some other meteorites i have i will pay the shipping and handling send them to you and you can determine wether or not there genuine or just rocks. who determines whether or not my specimens are real that would be me I've had far to many years researching these rare wonders from other planets that i will say with confidence my meteorite specimens are indeed real.So please allow me to send a few specimens to you to analize and or test and if your a collector and the specimens i send might be something you dont have please ad them to your collection i'm just another member giving to another member please except this small gesture as pure honest and freindly.
Thanks,

"The description is correct!" WHY do you say this??? Perhaps I am not expressing myself well enough. I wanted to know WHY (reasons) the description is correct. How do you tell the difference between fusion crust and desert varnish?

Also what is the size of this? There is no weight or reference object in the photo.

Thanks for your offer to send me specimens but I would rather focus on what is going to be of more help you. How so? Google 'New England Meteoritical Services". Select "Meteorite Testing". For $15 [correction = $20] you can have 3 samples tested WITH RETURN SHIPPING included. If they are genuine, you WILL have independent verification that you can include on your auctions!!! Does this sound good or is this something you have already tried?

(No Response)

'meteoritesandtreasures4u'auctions(previous ID 'lilamericanpicker' - see another item from old ID below)

NOTE:Some sellers catch 'meteorite fever'. This is not physical but mental. Such a person will try to equate meteoritic properties to ordinary rocks. 'Beware' because they have completely convinced themselves with false assumptions.

Hi,
You provide no proof or verification that this is a meteorite. Why not?
Why do you claim it is meteoritic?
Are you aware of eBays Authenticity Disclaimers Policy?
Thanks

It is what it is ! I don't need proof I have lots more I found lots of these in four counties around me while searching for arrow heads but please don't bid on it if you worried about being robbed , I have other folks interested in it but they want it for free but I will keep it if it doesn't sell.

My Thoughts:At least the "it is what it is " is accurate. A newbie that does not know the difference between desert varnish and fusion crust just might ante up $400 for a very expensive lesson...UPDATE- Someone did purchase this for $400 - WOW!!!!

Not at this second, the the paperwork is coming very soon. an the prices will go up. these are introductory offers, an with my many years experience This is the real thing.. i also have pieces, on the bottom you can see the ground around it melt to the meteor as it hit the ground

When are you expecting the 'paperwork'? Who (specifically) is verifying the rocks? What will you do if the items tested are non-meteoritic?
According to eBay policy it is the sellers responsibility to ensure authenticity BEFORE listing an item...(Authenticity Disclaimers Policy)...
Were you aware of this policy?
Best,

if ur so worried u check it out, this is a newer site that im not revelin the cordinets to just anyone including you an you jus dont have to worry bout me jus beaware u aint geetin my real meteors .. for that coment.. if you can read i said money back gurantee if sent back in 14 days -

My Thoughts:Responses at first appear to come from two different individuals but the 'an' (and) is consistent in both replys. Seller does not say when 'paperwork' is expected but he expects a buyer to have it analysed with shipping to and from and then shipped back to him in only '14 days'. He expects much more from the buyer than the total lack of proof of 'real meteors' that 'melt' to the ground that he offers....Beware! he has many of these for sale....

[Before bidding on any item you are not absolutely sure of, ask an IMCA member or established meteorite dealer for his opinion. More often than not, the meteorite community is very helpful. ]

Auction Quote: "This individual has been here for awhile because the fusion crust is wearing off, but there is definitely enough remaining to prove positive that this individual is absolutely an alien from Outer Space. "

SEE eBay's Authenticity Disclaimers Policy in next item below!

"I feel that fills me with some energy and gives me strength."

Sellers should make sure that their items are authentic before listing them on eBay. Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items they offer in their listings. If a seller cannot verify the authenticity of an item, it can‘t be listed on eBay.

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

Sellers are not allowed to:
List items that aren't authentic
List items if they're not sure if they are authentic

In addition, sellers can't disclaim authenticity of their item by stating, for example:
"I cannot guarantee the authenticity of this item, so please bid accordingly."

NOTE!!!Göran Lindfors (ebay 'SWE2003')

Has been mass spamming individuals for years with fake lunar meteorite email photos

A Piece of The Moon and Mars

Caveat Emptor!:(1) eBay has been flooded with suspect* meteorites from the following Chinese Mineral Dealers (Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, etc.), listed in the four groups below. This is a serious problem for unsuspecting collectors.
These shady dealers are consistent in that (a) their stones are suspect*, (b) bidders identities are concealed (so they can't be warned). But, you can help warn your friends about purchasing from these shameless Chinese Mineral Dealers ! Why all the fakes? Perhaps these auctions are continuing indications that China has been aggressively enforcing its meteorite ban the past few years??

(2) Contrary to what you see advertised on eBay, Tektites (terrestrial glass resulting from meteorite impact), Moldavites, Fulgurites ARE NOT Meteorites (natural objects of extraterrestrial origin (meteoroid) that survive passage through the atmosphere and hit the ground) NOR are they lunar material. Moldavite is one of the more faked items on eBay. It has always been green, but the rich 'Bottle' green ('apple' green) moldavite is newly offered and is reportedly manufactured. More Moldavite Info!

(3) Nantan/Nandan is an iron meteorite that is known for is ability to rust away to nothing, a fact that many sellers of this meteorite fail to mention. Nantan is truely a meteorite to stay away from unless you are willing to accept that the overwhelming majority of specimens will fall apart over a very short period of time. Ones that do not rust are probably shale and have NO meteoritic iron left. The huge number of meteorwrongs presented as Nantans is another reason to stay away.more info

(4) Meteoritic Shale/Oxide: Avoid auctions selling oxidized or shale 'meteorites' (Canyon Diablo oxide shale is common). Some sellers may describe the item as shale/oxide and others may not. Meteoritic shale/oxide is no longer a meteorite, it is terrestrially oxidized meteoritic nickel-iron or oxidite. It no longer contains the essential cosmic character of the meteorite. Shale items may be included in the following iron auctions: Canyon Diablo, Nantan, Odessa, Wolfe Creek ... for more info

NOTE: Scammed? Have you have exhausted attempts with the seller, eBay, and Paypal? If 'yes' and your seller shipped via US Postal Service, try this.

Protect Yourself"Google" the seller's eBay ID and search this site before you bid.Ask me, any I.M.C.A. member, or trusted dealer before you bid
You need 'basics' to be a sucessful collector. Search, Ask, Study, Learn(See 'New Collectors and Sellers Only")

*Anyone can make a claim that they have found or own an authentic meteorite. It is entirely another matter to offer satisfactory proof of verification or classification from a Meteoritical Society approved institution. In the opinion of this author, the auction items above may lack either proper verification, credible history or photo, or reasonable supposition to qualify as meteorites. This does not mean that they are not meteorites, only 'suspect' in the opinion of this author.